Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Beginners: Your First 30 Days in Hemel Hempstead

If you’ve been thinking about starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Hemel Hempstead but haven’t pulled the trigger, this post is for you. Here’s exactly what your first 30 days at Watford Tactical Fighting look like — no jargon, no gatekeeping.

Day 1: The Free Taster

You don’t need any kit. You don’t need to be fit. You don’t need to know anything. You turn up 10 minutes early, the coach shakes your hand, and you borrow a gi. The class starts with a structured warm-up — shrimping, breakfalls, bridges. Then a technique of the day, drilled with a partner. Then a few minutes of light positional drilling. You leave sweaty and slightly humbled.

Week 1: Fundamentals

You’ll learn the four core ground positions — mount, side control, back, and guard — and the basic escapes from each. Expect to feel like a beached fish. Everyone did. The mat is patient.

Week 2-3: First Submissions, First Rolls

By week two you’ll know an armbar, a rear-naked choke, and the first sweep from guard. By week three you’ll do your first positional roll — restricted live sparring from a set position. You will tap. A lot. Tapping is how you stay safe and how you learn.

Week 4: It Clicks

Around the 8th to 12th session, something happens. You stop panicking. You start recognising positions. Your breath comes back faster. You realise you’ve been doing it — you’re a BJJ student now.

What to Bring

• Water
• Rash guard and shorts (or a t-shirt and shorts for the first class)
• Hair tie if needed
• Trim your nails

Ready to Start?

Book your free taster class. See you on the mat.